29/07/2014 (Agence Europe) - EU increases aid by €175 million. In the face of the worsening situation in Syria, the EU decided on Monday 29 July to increase its humanitarian aid to the people in Syria and the countries neighbouring Syria by €50 million, and to commit €125 million to cover the medium-term needs of the neighbouring countries that are faced with an unprecedented influx of refugees. The Council of the EU approved two proposals from the European Commission on this. The humanitarian aid will cover the most urgent needs of the most vulnerable people (health care, medicines, drinking water) and brings the emergency aid to €150 million that has been given this year in response to this crisis. The development aid committed thus far comes to a total of €200 million. (AN)